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DOE Adopts Rules to Improve Energy Efficiency Enforcement

February 7, 2011 - 5:50pm

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Today, the Department of Energy adopted final rules to improve the enforcement of DOE’s efficiency requirements for appliances, lighting and other products. Overhauling the certification and enforcement process, the new rules are designed to encourage compliance and prevent manufacturers who break the law from gaining a competitive advantage over those that adhere to it. Among other changes, the rules will - for the first time - allow the Department to test products on its own initiative to determine whether they comply with DOE’s efficiency standards. “This is the latest step in the Department’s initiative to establish a robust and fair enforcement program,” said General Counsel Scott Blake Harris. “Today’s rules clear the way for the Department to exercise its enforcement authority intelligently and effectively to create a level playing field for manufacturers and, most importantly, to save energy and money for American consumers and businesses.” The Final Rule is available here.